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The Journey - July 19, 2012

2012Jul 19

COMMENTS

The Generous Gift of Jesus | Philippians 2:5-8 | Devotional

Philippians 2:5-8 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death-- even death on a cross!

The work of Jesus on our behalf is hard for us to comprehend. The depth of his love burrows into places of our heart where we have not yet traveled. There are times in dark moments of pride when we reason that we are worthy of his love. Being the self-made men and women we are, it’s hard for us to understand the helplessness and hopelessness of our spiritual bankruptcy. Yet, even in our arrogant state, Christ died for us—“even death on a cross!”

The Greek word, kenosis, translates “made himself nothing.” It describes the self-emptying of Christ when he became man. Jesus did not empty himself of deity. He lived and died fully-God, fully-Man. However, he did set aside his heavenly glory (John 17:5), his authority (Matthew 26:39), his divine prerogatives (Matthew 24:36), and his eternal riches (2 Corinthians 8:9). Jesus even set aside for a time his relationship with the God. He voluntarily experienced the Father’s wrath for our sin while on the cross (Matthew 27:46).

How can you respond to such love? A half-hearted life of serving when I feel like it, giving when it’s convenient, and love as long as I get something in return will not do. At some point we have to begin responding to Christ with our whole heart and whole self.

Father, forgive us for holding back and holding out. Forgive us for spending this one and only life on personal desires and pleasure. Plant and grow in us the attitude of Jesus. Develop in us a whole heart for you. In Jesus’ name.